The Finnish Fantasy Metal shooting stars have matured into a renowned act with their unmistakeable, heavy, drivingly fast and highly athmospheric sound. Although you can hear echoes from symphonic, folk, pagan and even thrash metal in their unique sound, they tend to describe their heavy but melodic music as extreme Fantasy Metal. Extreme because of the extreme sounds, dark growls and various influences, and fantasy not only because of the lyrical themes, but also because of the freedom to mix together elements from all different kinds of Metal. With a new album to support Kivimetsän Druidi raise their horns and are ready for the battle once again. This is the first pressing that comes as a Digpak with 2 bonus tracks.

There are quite a few female fronted bands that are deemed to be folk metal. Leaves Eyes, Kivimetsän Druidi, Midnattsol and Battlelore are all examples of bands that have, at one time or another, been described as being folk metal. Whilst all are definitely influenced by folk music, a more complete example of a female fronted folk metal band would be Hungary’s Dalriada. Already a very successful band in their home country, the band’s sixth record and first for AFM records sees the band try and translate their success to the rest of Europe and the world.